Nigerian Armwrestling Star Adefunke Afeniforo at Risk of Missing World Championship Over Funding

Nigeria’s newest sports sensation, Adefunke Afeniforo, is on the verge of missing the World Armwrestling & Para-Armwrestling Championships in Bulgaria due to a critical lack of funds. Despite recently securing a visa, the 21-year-old athlete is stranded with just days to go before her scheduled bouts.

Afeniforo, who hails from Oyo State, burst onto the scene after a stunning debut at the 14th African Armwrestling Championship in Abuja. There, she defied expectations by dethroning the long-standing African champion, Olaleye Marie of Benin Republic, in the Youth Women's 60kg category, marking herself as one of Africa's fastest-rising talents.

"I have my visa, I have trained hard, and I am ready to fight for Nigeria. But without help, I cannot travel. It will be heartbreaking to miss this chance after all my sacrifice," Afeniforo stated, appealing for urgent support from the Nigeria Armwrestling Federation (NAF), the Oyo State Government, and corporate bodies.

The World Championship is not only a platform for medals but also a crucial pathway for global ranking and qualification ahead of the 2027 All-Africa Games. Unless swift action is taken, Nigeria risks losing the opportunity for its latest revelation to compete and shine on the world stage, a loss that would set back the nation's progress in the sport.